Winston-Salem – October 2018
Preston Harris, Solid Foundation Construction, is now one of the select group of professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, identifying him as a General Contractor with the skills and knowledge necessary to remodel or modify a home to meet the unique needs of the older population, disabled owners or their visitors.

The National Association of Home Builders, in partnership with the AARP and NAHB Research Center, created the CAPS program, which includes training and education on the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to compete in the fastest-growing segment of the residential remodeling industry — home modifications for aging-in-place.

Preston began his business in the Spring of 2009. He established Solid Foundation Construction LLC in the Summer of 2011. Preston prides himself on his creative and pragmatic approach to his clients’ goals to improve and customize their homes.
Preston and his remodeling team believe in listening to and visioning with their clients. Turning houses into dream homes is the foundation of SFC’s work.

CAPS graduates include remodelers, builders, designers, architects, occupational therapists and others who help homeowners remain in their homes safely, independently and comfortably as they age.

In three days of coursework, the CAPS curriculum incorporates market demographics, communication techniques, marketing, common barriers and solutions, building codes and standards, product ideas and resources and business management. CAPS program graduates are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and/or participating in community service projects.

“I look forward to helping homeowners in the Triad make the changes they need to enable them to live in their homes for a long, long time,” said Preston.

NCHBA DISASTER RELIEF ALERT
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Hurricane Florence left a wide path of destruction throughout the entire state and especially in central and eastern North Carolina.

In light of this disaster, the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Home Builders Educational & Charitable Foundation, Inc. (NCHBECF) announced the establishment of the “Hurricane Florence Disaster Relief Fund” to aid members of the North Carolina Home Builders Association (NCHBA) in recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Florence.

Please donate now online with a credit card or send a check addressed to:

“Since rivers have yet to crest and flood waters recede, accurate damage estimates are not yet possible, however, we know our members in the affected areas have suffered greatly along with our fellow citizens,” said Gary Embler, NCHBECF Chairman. “We intend to help our members so they can in turn assist their neighbors.”

“The NCHBECF is a Sec. 501 (c)(3) entity conferring federal tax deductibility to donations,” said Mike Carpenter, NCHBA Executive Vice President. “I know our members will give generously in order to make the greatest impact possible.”

“As has always been the case in past natural disasters, home builders and tradespeople will be leading the way in rebuilding our state,” added current NCHBA President Alan Banks.

Recently, I received a property tax assessment for an inventory home we have under construction. The home will sell for $800k, so you can imagine the tax bill could be high on this one. Fortunately, we had done the proper paper work to request a lower assessment based on the builder inventory bill that the NCHBA got passed in the General Assembly.

Instead of an assessment of $588,0000, we received a correct assessment of $85,000 – Lot value. The saving in tax is $5505 on this one house! I have paid my HBA membership for 10 years on the savings from this one house.

Be sure to share your own stories of how the HBA has benefitted you and your business when talking with other members. There is so much that we benefit from that ultimately benefits the home owner. Without the NCHBA at work in Raleigh, I would have a very different tax bill today.

CE Class – Licensed Contractors: What’s in a Name

HBAWS CE – Licensed Contractors: What’s In a Name?Presented by Frank Wiesner, Executive Director of the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors

It matters how you conduct your business whether you are entering into contracts with customers, advertising, applying for permits and any other matter in which you are portraying yourself as an individual or corporate entity with intent to conduct business as a North Carolina Licensed General Contractor. Nearly 30% of all HBA Builder Members are not operating in a 100% correct manner. Be certain that you are! Why does this matter? More information from the NCLBGC below…